A Healing Spice (Cloves)
Cloves contain healing antioxidant and antimicrobial properties
A Healing Spice Guide
Cloves are the second spice to feature in my new Healing Spice Guide.
Cloves are the dried, unopened flower buds of the Clove Tree which is native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia. They are grown in other parts of Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. The flower buds are hand picked and dried in the sun to bring out and preserve their healing and aromatic properties.
Cloves have long been revered as a medicinal spice used for centuries to treat digestive and respiratory ailments. Use in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet. You can gain the benefits by integrating a few servings a week into your meals. You can incorporate ground Cloves into many dishes to bring a warm, distinctive flavour to desserts, curries and chutneys, or you can simmer whole Cloves in filtered water for 5–10 minutes to make a soothing tea (see below).
I hope you enjoy discovering the cleansing and healing benefits of Cloves. They are a wonderful addition to any diet with many different uses for your general good health, nourishment and wellbeing.
Folklore
Clove is a highly prized spice originating from the Moluccas Islands in the Indonesian Archipelago. This is where parents planted a Clove Tree for every child was born. When the Clove Forests were first discovered, all were enchanted with the fragrance and beauty of this tropical evergreen tree which must always see the sea in order to thrive.
Cloves were used as incense in ancient times as this was believed to bring good luck together with a positive energy to the mind and the surrounding environment. Cloves were burnt to chase away bad energy and rise low frequencies.
Cloves are historically linked to healing and protection from illness. Clove Essential Oil has been used for centuries to treat all kinds of ailments and is especially used for dental relief as it is a natural antiseptic. The Chinese would chew cloves before meeting with the Emperor or other royal figures to ensure their breath was pleasant.
One of its most famous traditional uses for Cloves is in the pomander ball or pomme d'ambre which means apple of amber. Pomanders were made from different perfumes that were worn or carried in a vase for protection against infection and unpleasant odours.
Nutrition
Cloves have been used for centuries to treat digestive and respiratory ailments. They contain good amounts of vitamins A, C, K and B-complex as well as minerals such as manganese, iron, selenium, potassium and magnesium. They also contain powerful antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties making them tremendously useful in helping to heal a wide variety of illnesses and health conditions.
Cloves are particularly beneficial for the digestive tract and are great for indigestion, gas, constipation, bloating, nausea and countering the effects of heavy, rich food. They are excellent for relieving muscle spasms, headaches and nerve pain. They are also used to disinfect gums, teeth, kidneys, liver, skin and bronchi.
Clove oil contains eugenol which is a powerful anesthetic and natural pain reliever and is commonly used to help relieve toothaches and to numb gums in dentistry. Clove oil is also beneficial for the circulatory system and is a potent platelet inhibitor which prevents blood clots. Clove oil is also excellent for athletes foot and for healing cuts, bruises, burns, rashes and psoriasis.
Clove Essential Oil is an effective decongestant when used in a vaporiser, humidifier or aromatherapy machine to help disinfect the air and to improve respiratory conditions such as sinusitis, tuberculosis, bronchitis, asthma, colds and coughs.
SOURCE: Medical Medium - Cloves
Remedies
Clove Oil Humidifier
Clove Essential Oil is an effective decongestant when the recommended amount is used in a vaporiser, humidifier or aromatherapy machine. This will help to disinfect the surrounding air and improve respiratory conditions such as sinusitis, tuberculosis, bronchitis, asthma, colds and coughs.
Clove Detoxifing Herbal Tea
Clove Tea made from the whole spice is helpful for strengthening the immune system and detoxifying the body.
Drink Clover Herbal Tea in the morning to boost your energy and increase focus. Eugenol in Cloves improves blood flow and brain function, making it a great start to a day. Alternatively, drink Clove Herbal Tea after a heavy meal to improve digestion and reduce bloating.
- Steep 2 tsp of whole Cloves in 2 cups of hot filtered water for at least 10 minutes.
- Sweeten with Raw Honey if desired before serving - ideally after a meal.
- Store any excess in the fridge to sip during the day.
Recipes
Cloves are often combined with other herbs to create seasonings such as Curry Powder and Garam Masala (India), Chinese Five Spice (China) and Worcester Sauce in (British Isles).
Homemade Pickling Spice
Add all the following dried ingredients to a clean, air-tight jar and store in a cool, dark place for up to one month to use as required.
- 2 tbs x whole mustard seeds
- 1 tbs x whole allspice berries
- 2 tsp x whole coriander seeds
- 1 tsp x red pepper flakes, or more to taste
- 1 tsp x ground ginger
- 2 x bay leaves, crumbled
- 2 x Cinnamon Sticks, broken in half
- 6 x whole Cloves
For pickling, you generally need about 1 tablespoon of the above Pickling Spice per one litre jar. This amount provides a good balance of flavour and can be adjusted to your liking, using more or less depending on how spicey you want your pickles to be.
I hope you enjoy this ongoing series of posts about the healing and health benefits of spices which make a healthy and flavoursome addition to many a warming recipe or herbal tea.
Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey of spicy delights and discovery. I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Sue Cartwright
Spiral Leaf
Thank you for sharing!
for you, for me and for Mother Nature
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